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SCR 7

Cohen Wade Craddock Memorial Road

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Brian Helton and 2 co-sponsors

Michigan urges the Trump Administration and USDA to immediately release SNAP funds and reopen the federal government, protecting 1.4 million Michigan residents from hunger.

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Bill Summary · SCR 7

Summary — SCR 7 (Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 7)

Title: A concurrent resolution urging the Trump Administration and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to immediately release Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding.

Main purpose / intent

SCR 7 is a non‑binding concurrent resolution expressing the Michigan Legislature’s urgent request that the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Trump Administration immediately release SNAP funding (and not withhold or delay benefits) and that Congress and the President reopen the federal government (or pass a clean continuing resolution) so federal nutrition and related programs can continue without interruption.

Key provisions / actions requested

  • Urges the USDA under the Trump Administration to release Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding without political interference, delay, or manipulation.
  • Urges the Republican congressional majorities and the President to reopen the federal government, preserve health‑care access, and restore food access as soon as possible.
  • Calls for an end to what the resolution characterizes as deliberate obstruction of nutritional aid by the White House and Congressional Republicans.
  • Notes that the USDA could draw on contingency reserves already authorized by Congress to fund SNAP benefits.
  • Requests that copies of the resolution be transmitted to: the President of the United States; the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture; the Speaker of the U.S. House; the President Pro Tempore of the U.S. Senate; and Michigan’s congressional delegation.

Findings and rationale cited in the resolution

  • SNAP is described as a primary anti‑hunger, anti‑poverty program serving more than 42 million people nationwide.
  • In Michigan (2024 figures cited), about 1.4 million residents relied on SNAP (about 1 in 7 Michiganders), including 492,225 children and 38,513 veterans.
  • The USDA reportedly advised Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services that funds may be insufficient to pay November SNAP benefits in full, and directed pausing/withholding those payments.
  • The resolution warns of immediate harms if benefits are withheld: seniors and children going hungry, people with disabilities choosing between medication and food, families forced to choose between rent and groceries, and increased pressure on food banks and local economies (including farmers and retailers).
  • It cites prior actions that strained food banks (a claimed $500 million cut in Emergency Food Assistance Program deliveries) and emphasizes greater impact in rural counties (26 of the 30 Michigan counties with highest SNAP participation are rural).

Who would be affected

  • SNAP recipients in Michigan (estimated ~1.4 million people in 2024), with special emphasis on children, seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, and low‑income working families.
  • Local food banks and emergency services experiencing increased demand.
  • Farmers, grocery stores, and vendors who rely on consumer spending by SNAP households—particularly in rural counties.
  • Federal agencies and federal budget decision‑makers (targeted recipients of the resolution).

Legal effect

  • This is a concurrent resolution expressing the Legislature’s position and does not create binding federal or state law or appropriate funds. It is intended to communicate state legislative views to federal officials.

Procedural / timeline notes

  • Introduced in late 2024 (document lists Dec 18, 2024).
  • Considered and acted on by both chambers in 2025. The resolution was read, adopted in the Senate and transmitted to the House; the House considered and adopted a substitute (H‑1) in some versions that focused on urging Congress to pass a clean continuing resolution to reopen the federal government.
  • Legislative record entries show votes and multiple procedural steps through 2025; later entries (Oct–Nov 2025) report adoption of a substitute and that the measure was “laid over one day under the rules” on Nov 4, 2025.
  • As a concurrent resolution, the Legislature transmitted copies to the federal officials named in the text.

Practical impact

  • The resolution is primarily symbolic/political: it signals the Michigan Legislature’s strong concern about federal withholding of SNAP funds and seeks to pressure federal officials and Congress to act promptly.
  • If the federal government responds by releasing contingency funds or Congress passes a funding resolution, SNAP benefit payments would be restored/protected; if not, the resolution highlights likely community‑level harms (food insecurity, strain on emergency services and local economies).

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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